Peter O'Brien

Peter O'Brien is a Professor of Political Science at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he teaches courses in political philosophy, European politics, and political thought. His extensive research focuses on European identity, Islam in Europe, immigration studies, and anti-Americanism, with particular attention to historical and contemporary European perceptions of non-European cultures.

O'Brien's educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. from Kalamazoo College. His scholarly work demonstrates a deep engagement with questions of European identity formation, particularly through encounters with Muslim communities and American influence. His research spans historical analysis from medieval times to contemporary politics, examining how Europeans construct their identity through interactions with others.

O'Brien's publications reveal consistent themes across decades of scholarship, with recent works addressing counter-terrorism policies, migration governance, and Islamophobia in Europe. His research methodology combines historical analysis with contemporary political theory, often challenging conventional wisdom about European identity and its relationship to non-European cultures. He has developed particular expertise in German politics and European integration processes.

• Social Science Research Council Fellow at the Free University in Berlin
• Fulbright Professor at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul
• Fulbright Professor at the Humboldt University in Berlin

As an educator, O'Brien has led immersive study abroad experiences in Berlin, teaching his 'Global City Berlin' course on-site. Beyond academia, he actively volunteers at the Center for Refugee Services and the Village at Incarnate Word senior community, demonstrating commitment to community engagement that complements his scholarly focus on migration and integration issues.